GCSE Performing Arts New Specification Summary
For teaching from 2009
60% Controlled Assessment
PA1: Task One (30%)
Developing Performing Arts
Skills
Candidates will audit one of
their Performing Arts skills and
develop an action plan with
clear targets and timescales for
improvement. They will
complete a brief task to
demonstrate their learning and
development and will evaluate
their skills.
The final piece of work should
be recorded (audio or video).
Internally assessed and
externally moderated.
PA1: Task Two (15%)
Knowledge of the Performing
Arts Industry
Candidates will research the
skills and qualifications needed
for two jobs within the
Performing Arts Industry.
Candidates will complete a
written report outlining the key
qualifications, professional
skills, personal skills and
employment opportunities for
each job. They will also outline
their suitability for one of the
roles they have researched.
Internally assessed and
externally moderated.
SINGLE AWARD
40% External Assessment
PA1: Task Three (15%)
Preparation for Performance PA2: Themed Showcase
Candidates will carry out Performance (40%)
research on the Themed
Showcase Performance they will
produce in PA2. Candidates will either create a performance
or contribute their chosen technical
This research will include: production skill to a performance in
the selection of
response to a theme set by the centre.
suitable material in the PA2
performance;
details of at least two venues
Candidates may perform in more than one
that would be suitable for the
performance; discipline.
estimated costing of the
venue and equipment;
a brief report demonstrating Externally assessed by a visiting examiner
an understanding of health
and safety implications in
relation to the candidates
role and the actual
performance space selected.
Internally assessed and
externally moderated.
 DOUBLE AWARD

60% Controlled Assessment 40% External Assessment

Candidates must complete the three tasks in the Single

Award PA1 (task one 15%; task two 7.5% and task three Candidates must complete the Single Award
7.5%) in addition to the controlled tasks below. PA2 unit (20%) in addition to PA4 below.

PA3: Task One (15%)
New Skill Development
Candidates will select a new
Performing Arts skill and
develop an action plan with
clear targets and timescales for
improvement. They will
complete a brief task to
demonstrate their learning and
development and will evaluate
their skills.
The final piece of work should
be recorded (audio or video).
Internally assessed and
externally moderated.
PA3: Task Two (7.5%)
Extended Performing Arts
Learning
Candidates will develop their
performing arts skills as
extended learning, outside of
the classroom. This could take
many forms, including
participation in external
performing lessons and/or
examinations, assisting in
preparing younger pupils for
performance, participating in
dramatic/entertainment events,
etc.
Candidates will complete a
report outlining what they have
learned as a result of engaging
in these activities.
Internally assessed and
externally moderated.
PA3: Task Three (7.5%)
Proposal for Commissioned PA4: Commissioned
Performance
Performance (20%)
Candidates will carry out research
on the Commissioned Performance
they will produce in PA4. Candidates will either create a performance
or contribute their chosen technical
This research will include: production skill to a performance in
two proposals in response
response to a commission set by WJEC.
to the commission task set
by WJEC;
Candidates will be required to present work
details of at least two venues
in two disciplines.
that would be suitable for the
performance;
estimated costing of the
venue and equipment; Externally assessed by a visiting examiner
list of performance details;
creation of marketing
material (including a poster
advertising the event, tickets
and a programme);
a brief report demonstrating
an understanding of health
and safety implications in
relation to the candidates
role and the actual
performance space selected.